Story by REDintern Charles Lim. Photos by Chan Hua Zheng/Red Sports.
Carl Belanger (FMS #22) pulls up for a jumper. He finished with a game-high 17 points. (Photo 1 © Chan Hua Zheng/Red Sports)
OCBC Arena, Wednesday, April 4, 2018 — Fairfield Methodist School (FMS) held their ground against Bukit Panjang Government High (BPGH), securing the win 69–52 and their spot in the semi-finals in the second round of the National B Division Basketball Championship.
Blistering off the first quarter, Fairfield quickly picked up their momentum against Bukit Panjang. Chiam Ming Yao (FMS #1), Russell Lim (FMS #12) and Carl Belanger (FMS #22) sunk a 3-pointer each and contributed to a combined total of 21 points in the quarter. Ming Yao (FMS #1) was responsible for 10 points with his swift maneuvers into the Bukit Panjang defence and spot on jumpers.
Despite their foul trouble within the first few minutes of the quarter, Fairfield managed to exert their dominance holding Bukit Panjang with a 27-7 lead to end the quarter.
A stoic full court man to man defence by BPGH managed to disrupt the hot scoring streak from Fairfield, forcing numerous turnovers which led to chances of their own. The quarter saw a low and equal score line from both teams at 8-8, ending the quarter with Fairfield maintaining their lead at 35-15.
Even so, Bukit Panjang were determined to make a comeback and they narrowed Fairfield’s lead. Continuing their stellar defence, Bukit Panjang managed to force more turnovers and converted them off Captain Jonah Foo (BP #17), whom managed to drive past the Fairfield defence numerous times for the basket. Jonas (BP #17) was also instrumental in Bukit Panjang’s set plays, setting up opportunities for his team mates. The quarter ended with Fairfield holding a narrower lead of 45-35.
Bukit Panjang started the final quarter with a 10-4 run against Fairfield, making their comeback a possibility as they reduced their deficit to within 4 points with a score of 45-49. A timely time-out called by Fairfield managed to disrupt the run, and they managed to answer with their own 6-0 run against Bukit Panjang.
Hoping to end the 6-0 run, Bukit Panjang had a time-out of their own. However, their comeback hopes were dashed as Fairfield continued their earlier run, making it a 14-0 run before Bukit Panjang managed to end it with an and one play off a drive by Kristoff Ramos (BP #1).
On losing the comeback opportunity, Bukit Panjang Captain Jonah commented, “After closing the gap, we focused more on offence and neglected our defence and I feel that’s how the gap opened up once again.” It was indeed a pity as Bukit Panjang had managed to narrow their 20-point deficit from a slow start to a 4-point deficit. Fairfield rounded up the game with smooth set plays and secured their 69-52 victory against Bukit Panjang.
On the win, Fairfield Captain Jonathan Ang (FMS #9) commented, “We are very happy to make Top 4, it’s been quite some time we have been there.” Top scorer Carl (FMS #22) chipped in, “We have always wanted to get in Top 4, and we want to go as far as we can and aim for the National Champions.”
Sharing on their journey in the season, Bukit Panjang Captain Jonah reflected, “I feel that the team did very well, we did not expect to go into the Top 8. We gave our best, worked hard trained hard and bonded closely over the season.”
With this win, Fairfield advances to the semi-finals as the runners-up of the group and they will face off against North Vista.
Scoring by Quarter
BPGH vs FMS
1st Quarter: 7-27
2nd Quarter: 8–8 (15-35)
3rd Quarter: 20-10 (35-45)
4th Quarter: 17–24 (52-69)
Top Scorers
BPGH
Kristoff Ramos (#1) – 15 points
Jonah Foo (#17) – 14 points
FMS Roster
Carl Belanger (#22) – 17 points
Chiam Ming Yao (#1) – 16 points
Jin Sheng De (#15) – 14 points
Bukit Panjang Roster
Tan Wei Xin (#0), Kristoff Ramos (#1), Nathan Ng (#2), Glen Goh (#7), Qi Heng (#9), Sun Zhe (#11), Jovan Chiam (#12), Yong Qi (#16), Jonah Foo (#17), Henry Teo (#18), Shakur (#23), Lucas Leng (#26)
Fairfield Roster
Chiam Ming Yao (#1), Ang Tze Haw (#4), Jonathan Ang (#9), John Vannan (#10), Russell Lim (#12), Jin Sheng De (#15), Carl Belanger (#22), Clarence Soh (#27), Tan Wen Jun (#31), Jeremy Graves (#33), David Chong (#36)
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